By: Mikey McGuire
Congratulations to all of our 2025 Independent World class finalists! Review their productions below in order of Finals placement.
1st - rcc (99.163)
RCC plays with the fundamental structures of the activity in their 2025 production “Only the Broken Can See.” Starting the moment they leave the tunnel and building to an ecstatic boiling point, RCC leaves the jaws of an entire arena on the floor with simple but monumentally effective gestures.
2nd - Rhythm x (99.063)
Rhythm X touches life itself with their 2025 show “Hands of Creation.” Overflowing with energy, X puts on a show worthy of Michelangelo himself and leaves UD on its feet.
3rd - Broken City (97.950)
A cool wind follows Broken City out of the tunnel as they set up for their chilly 2025 program “North.” A stark white tarp plays host to one of the most engaging shows of the weekend as Broken City urges the audience to find their own true north.
4th - Pulse Percussion (96.525)
Pulse Percussion brings underground hip hop energy to UD with their 2025 program “The Underground.” When the turntable starts spinning, Pulse never lets the energy stop, with incredible moment after incredible moment.
5th - Infinity (95.825)
Like a hazy memory, Infinity took the floor with their 2025 program “Deja Vu.” Centered around a heavenly rendition of Bon Ivers 715 CREEKS, Infinity put a devastatingly beautiful program on the floor.
6th - George Mason University (94.863)
George Mason University blew the thatch roof off of the colonial-style house with their electric 2025 program “The George Mason Show.” With quick wit and dozens of indoor percussion jokes, George Mason University’s take on George Mason, the founding father, is the easy crowd favorite of the year.
7th - Music City Mystique (94.100)
Unsettling as it is thrilling, MCM takes control of their audience and infects every member with their 2025 program “Parasite.”
8th - United Percussion (93.413)
United Percussion reminds us that we are all connected with their 2025 program “All of Us.” Playing with ideas of visual and emotional disconnect, United puts together a powerful and musically very exciting show.
9th - Matrix (92.075)
Matrix blew the crowd away with their 2025 program, “In the Wake of Creation. Anchored by the sweet sounds of Christopher Cross’ yacht rock classic “Sailing,” Matrix takes us on a sea-faring journey and brings the cool ocean breeze to UD.
10th - Cap City (91.650)
Cap City urges us to Listen in their 2025 program of the same name. Their incredibly innovative use of sound, and lack thereof, makes “LISTEN” a show to tune in to.
11th - POW Percussion (91.063)
Reaching back to the past and writing a letter to your younger self is something everyone wishes they could do. In their 2025 program “Letters to my Younger Self” POW Percussion does just that, and their letter is full of great beats and a gorgeous soundscape.
12TH - Atlanta Quest (90.238)
Atlanta Quest takes a post-apocalyptic tone with their 2025 program “E.D.E.N”. High energy beats and stellar production value had the finals night crowd locked in every step of the way.
13th - Rhythmic Force Percussion (89.875)
Rhythmic Force Percussion took the crowd in circles with their 2025 program “What Goes Around…”. A show oozing with color, Rhythmic Force blew the doors off the place with their energetic finals night run.
14th - Monarch Independent (89.075)
In their 2025 program “Multitudes of Me,” Monarch Independent takes a look in the mirror and explores every facet of themselves.
15th - Meraki (87.025)
Just as the flame sparks, grows, and eventually dims, so do we. In their beautiful 2025 production “Flickers,” Meraki tells the story of a life through the story of a flame.
